IT’S SPOOKY SEASON!!!!! Does anyone else feel like New England, especially Vermont, is just the perfect setting for really getting into the holiday spirit?

The last signs of summer life are disappearing with each passing gust of wind, blowing leaves to the ground and making way for the blanket of white snow that will soon silence the land. The bone-chilling air, so familiar to us hardy Vermonters, is quickly crawling in through any skin exposed to the elements. The nights, dark and still, descending on us faster and faster each day. The change in seasons is unavoidable, and we know better than to hold our ground and stubbornly pretend like we will remain in glorious Autumn for much longer. But for now, we celebrate the death and the life that came before it.

This year has been pretty spooky. On top of all the crappy things that have unfolded, our beloved Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. Usually, this would be great news, but we’re in the middle of a pandemic, so it feels like a big old trick. (Shelburne Vineyard is, however, OPEN for socially distant celebrations on Saturday!). While you’re dressed up with nowhere to go in your living room, treat yourself to a sweet escape. We have some great suggestions on how to pair your favorite wines with classic Halloween candy. Lots of research went into these pairings, so we hope you’ll try them out at home!

LAKE VIEW WHITE AND CANDY CORN This pairing was so surprisingly good, we all indulged a little too much. The sweetness of the corn and the sweetness of the wine dance together in perfect balance, bringing out complexity and flavor in each. [ 2019 Lake View White | $16.99 ]
HARVEST WIDOWS REVENGE AND MIDNIGHT MILKY WAYS The dark chocolate shell and the fluffy marshmallow of the Milky Way together with the bright fruity softness of our Harvest Widow’s Revenge Blend is one epic pairing. Sophisticated, spooky, and satisfying. Bittersweet, just like revenge. [ 2019 Harvest Widow’s Revenge | $18.99 ]
MARQUETTE RESERVE AND HEATH BARS Heath Bars are definitely the Reserve of the halloween candy bag. They’re complex, exhibiting many layers of flavor you just don’t get in other chocolate bars, and oh so smooth. I always eat them with my pinky up. They pair perfectly with the subtle notes of oak. [ 2017 Marquette Reserve | $29.99 ]
CELESTIAL LOUISE AND WHOPPERS Alright, I’ll be honest, did not expect to find a good pairing for Whoppers. Malted milk and wine? Turns out, the light and airy texture that pops in your mouth goes great with bubbles! Like caviar, but also not like caviar at all… [ 2019 Celestial Louise | $18.99 ]
TECTONIC AND GUMMY BEARS Orange wine for Halloween? Groundbreaking. But really, this bottle is a must to have out on your bar cart among your festive gourds. Enjoy with gummy bears for the ultimate fruity pairing experience. If you’re feeling funky, stir some right into your glass and let them soak up all that La Crescent goodness. [ 2019 Tectonic | $26.00 ]

Treat Yourself! Halloween Candy x Wine Pairing